About Me
My spiritual journey began when I visited Japan as a teen. I became interested in Buddhism and traveled to Tibet and China to dive into Eastern philosophy. In 2008, I landed in Mysore, India and practiced Ashtanga yoga at the Jois Shala.
It wasn't until 2010 when I started studying with the late Buddhist teacher Michael Stone (d. 2017) that my practice moved away from asana to sitting meditation. I assisted Michael Stone with local and international retreats, and moved to New York City to study at Spirituality & Psychology at Columbia University and offer hospice support through the Foundations Program at New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. I graduated my APA Clinical Psychology doctoral degree (PsyD.) in 2021 in Berkeley, CA.
In 2015, I was formally lay ordained in the Maezumi lineage under Koshin Paley Ellison. My dharma name is Komyo which means "little seedling". My journey into Zen Buddhism continued at the San Francisco Zen Center where I lived for a year. Today, I teach gentle hatha and restorative yoga at SAOR Studio in Toronto.
Sofia Forman, PsyD
Hi, I’m Sofia. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) based in Toronto.
I identify as queer and as a mixed Ashkenazi Jewish/Irish settler. I was assigned female at birth, am feminine and identify as a woman. I’m a mom.
As a holistic counsellor, yoga instructor, Buddhist practitioner, and artist, I'm deeply committed to creating therapeutic spaces that are safe and inclusive for all.
My holistic approach combines Western Psychology, Somatic Therapy, and Eastern Wisdom Traditions like Buddhism.
I'm passionate about helping my clients navigate life's challenges and find balance in their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Anti-Oppression: I am a dedicated practitioner of contemplative healing arts. The home I grew up in was built on the taken land of the Haudenosaunee, Ojiway/Chippeway, Quandat, and Anishanabek people.
I recognize the importance of acknowledging my own privilege in this life and constantly explore ways to use that privilege to serve others.
My practice is rooted in anti-oppression work, and I strive to contribute my personal efforts towards creating a more equitable world.
Through my various roles, I aim to foster healing, growth, and self-discovery in those I work with, always honoring the unique journey of each individual.
EDUCATION & INFLUENCES
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology PsyD: Dissertation - On What Zen Hospice Workers Can Teach Psychologists
MA in Mind-Body Psychology, Columbia University, NY
Mentorship with the late Michael Stone, Buddhist Meditation Teacher
Lay Ordained in the Maezumi Roshi Lineage, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care
PERINATAL FOCUS
2023-2024 The Well Parents: Supervised Clinical Psychology Perinatal Practice under Dr. Jillian Satin, Toronto
2024 The Cohen Clinic: Supervised Clinical Psychology Practice under Dr. Donalea McIntyre, Toronto
2023 Certification in Perinatal Mental Health - Postpartum Support International, Online
2012 | Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, Integral Yoga Institute, San Francisco, California
YOGA & EMBODIMENT TRAINING
2022 | David Elliot Breathwork Online
2020 | Body Harmonics Mat, Toronto, Canada
2019 | Tias Little Teacher Training, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2019 | Equinox Pilates Mat, Natalya Sebastian, Toronto Canada
2017 | Integral Therapeutic Yoga Training, Cheri Clampett, San Francisco, California
2015 | YogaWorks, 200 Hr Yoga Aliance YTT, California
2011 | Ashtanga Yoga Center of Toronto, Ashtanga Teacher Training, Toronto, Canada
Follow me on Instagram @sofiaformanholistic
